The Licensing and General Purposes Committee of Barnet Council met on Thursday 7 November 2024. The committee approved the revised Licensing Policy for 2025-2030 and recommended its adoption by the full council. They also noted the council's health, safety, and wellbeing performance for 2023/24 and agreed on priorities for the next two years.

Annual Health, Safety and Wellbeing Report 2023/24

Mike Koumi, Head of Safety, Health and Wellbeing, presented the annual report on the council's health and safety performance. He highlighted that while there was a slight increase in reported incidents, this was largely due to improved reporting of verbal assaults and near misses. The report noted an increase in RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) reportable incidents, which are being investigated. However, audit scores showed improvement, with compliance scores between 89-90%, and a significant increase in staff completing essential health and safety training, rising from 57% to 77%. Key priorities for 2025-2027 include reducing days lost due to stress and musculoskeletal injuries, improving building compliance monitoring in schools, and implementing actions from the Workplace Wellbeing Action Plan. The committee resolved to note the council's performance and agree the priorities for the next two years.

Revised Licensing Policy 2025-2030

Ella Smallcombe, Head of Consumer and Public Protection, and Ash Shah, Service Manager for Trading Standards and Licensing, presented the revised Licensing Policy. The policy, which is statutorily reviewed every five years, had undergone public consultation, receiving 24 responses. Discussions covered cumulative impact zones, with clarification that these primarily relate to alcohol licenses but can encompass regulated entertainment. Concerns were raised about the low number of consultation responses, and officers acknowledged the need to explore more effective engagement methods. The committee also heard about the work of the Licensing Action Group in tackling issues such as male-dominated cafes that create unwelcoming environments. The committee resolved to approve the proposed revised Licensing Policy and recommend its adoption by the full council.

Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places 2024

John Bailey, Head of Electoral Services, presented the report on the compulsory five-year review of polling districts and places. It was noted that no changes were proposed for the current arrangements across the borough, despite some representations, including one regarding Mill Hill ward where parking issues at Millbrook School were raised. The committee resolved to note the representations, approve the Returning Officer's proposals for no changes, and continue the practice of annual interim reviews.

GLA Election May 2024 and UKPG Election July 2024 - Election Projects Review

John Bailey and Cath Shaw, Acting Returning Officer, presented a review of the two major elections held in 2024. The report detailed the challenges faced, including the introduction of new requirements under the Elections Act 2022, such as Voter ID and new postal vote handling rules. The report highlighted the smooth running of the elections despite these challenges and the late change of venue for the UK Parliamentary election count to the RAF Museum. While there were some isolated issues with late postal vote deliveries, overall processes were considered robust, transparent, and accurate. The committee resolved to note the report.

Committee Forward Work Programme

The committee noted the forward work programme, which has been consolidated into two longer meetings instead of three.

The meeting concluded at 7:46 pm.